5408 SW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32608 352-373-5223

"Academic Excellence Enhanced by the Arts"

We believe that carefully planned lessons, with an established scope and sequence, and which cover the Florida Sunshine State Standards are the best preparation for standardized tests. We insist that all our teachers document these standards in their lesson plan books. Copies of teacher lesson plans are collected mid-year and at the year's end.  After initial groaning subsided, our teachers began to see these documentations as a great help in future planning.

Students at Expressions have a wide range of previous educational experiences.  Many were previously home-schooled or came to us from private schools.  Some have never taken standardized tests before. We make use of test preparation materials mainly to get students familiar with the test process and format: bubbling in answers, multiple choice formats, etc. In the past, we have used the Buckle Down and Show What You Know  series and practice materials provided by the Florida Department of Education.  We use preparation materials in short periods beginning after the winter break.  

We strive to make the actual testing weeks as stress-free as possible.  In the past, we have offered nature hikes, treats, bookmarks, pencils and extra recess as rewards after a hard day's work.  When all of the students have completed testing, we rent a "Moon Walk" jumping machine so we can "Jump for Joy" at a job well done. Our overall approach to these tests is low key and supportive of our students emotional needs.  Much to our dismay, many of our students have come to love testing week!

We firmly believe that our arts enhanced curriculum, NOT extensive  test preparation, is the main reason we have consistently have had some of the highest FCAT scores in the state.   

Copyright © 2003 Expressions Learning Arts Academy